update:..PRODUCER LOOKS FOR MORE STORIES....There may be a House Hunters "Green Week" Special (not sure)...but if so... let us know if you have sold a LEED certified home, and we will be happy to pass the word along to the Producer.
Guess who's been here filming all week? Yes. HGTV's House Hunters crew. And how did they find us? They contacted us after reading a number of posts to the ECO-All-Stars Group from my BLOG right here at Active Rain. Seems there is huge audience interest in sustainable design, green building and retrofitting. And you know that is our market niche.
Our real estate firm decided years ago to add our support to Asheville's "New Urbanist" Plan.
The Plan calls for business and property owners on Haywood Road (just across the street from our offices seen in the photo here) to create a development pattern along Haywood. As ECO real estate professionals we are interested in avoiding urban sprawl. We advocate compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including mixed-use development .
Our neighborhood, Lucerne Park is 
an awesome, diverse neighborhood with historical charm.
We bought our 1923 brick bungalow last year because we find the neighborhood not only charming, but convenient (transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly.)
The building itself is a ‘work in progress", but is about 90% restored. We have
1) replaced all light bulbs throughout the entire building with compact fluorescents
2) are proud of our non-toxic flooring throughout...gorgeous old hardwoods and, in the kitchen, marmoleum
3 have used Low VOC paints
4) are beginning to replace all the windows with energy efficient windows.
We recycle, of course. No chemicals are used on our lot. We hope to have an organic garden next year.
Our building not only is a lovely place to meet our clients, but is a place where we have the opportunity
to give back to the community- neighborhood meetings and educational events have taken place here.
In addition, we support local artists... notice the photography and wall art. We also are proud to be a contributing member of the Asheville community . We are a resource center. We can connect our clients with ecologists, land planners, green developers, architects, builders and so forth. . .
Active Rain helped us get the word out. We all are thrilled. For sure, I will let you know when the episode will air. In the meantime, our very own Bill "Doc" Westel (there he is during the taping just below) shines.
Bill Westel ECO certified real estate professional explains contract 
Bill's clients (right) arrive at the ECO office to
make an offer while film crew prepares to shoot.
(above) Bill reaches for well-deserved organic strawberries while janeAnne looks on, happily
UPDATE: ...PRODUCER LOOKS FOR MORE STORIES....There may be a House Hunters "Green Week" Special (not sure)...but if so... let us know if you have sold a LEED certified home, and we will be happy to pass the word along to the Producer. as promised...A few photos from today's shoot are below.
Bill, his wonderful eco-wise clients, and the crew discuss the HGTV House Hunters series over lunch.(right)
By the way, the paint in this room is LOW VOC paint. And the food is organic (I'm smiling)
Here's Bill (left) as he comes in the back door for the taping of the show. If you look hard you will see he has someone greeting him.
This photo also shows the Asheville neighborhood in which we've located our offices. It is a charming, older neighborhood with much to offer including a sense of community.
We are happy to be part of the community and proud to sponsor community events from our conference room.
Look for a post on Bill's BLOG on the show soon. Knowing "Doc" it will be informative.
" Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
~ Green-o-Lina
####
Stephanie~
We are running around right now getting-last minute details organized...like organic dark chocolate in the candy dishes,,,and some organic strawberries...and cookies... What a FUN time! I'll let you know how it all pans out. Bill was with the crew for 12 hours yesterday.
Mary~
Thanks for our kind words and inspiration. You are an inspiration to your readers! Loved your FEATURED post on finding financing for "green" homes...
The eco-team and I are having a BLAST this morning. I need to get going, but will check back in later today.
Suzanne~
Nice to meet you! Thank you so much for your kind words. We are lucky to be in a market where healthy-built homes , sustainable design and high-performance are in demand. From what I can tell so far, the crew for HGTV is having a great time here. We have over 300 new "green' built homes...most are certified LEED or NC Healthy-built for them to check out...
Angela~
I just checked out your BLOG. I will get back to it later today...I appreciate your kind words and support.
Ines~
Don't you just LOVE it when the energy and creativity you bring to a project comes together? I know you know what I'm talking about because I see it in your BLOG every day. Thanks for the kind words...
and YAY-Yeah Active Rain!
janeAnne, I can feel the excitement! Hooray for the AR platform, the wisdom of HGTV to feature you and the tireless work that you and your company do to contribute to a more Eco friendly planet!
Ginger
Very cool, janeAnne. Thanks for letting us know. Y'all will be famous now!! Will you even speak to us? :)
Jeff
janeAnne.... as so many have mentioned, this is great news. Nothing like great publicity, but also getting recognized for your hard work and dedication. Great job and good luck.
Diane~ It is an exciting adventure. We had a blast. I will add some more pictures later tonight!
Laura~We got to meet some VERY interesting people today...and guess what?! THEY thought WE are interesting! (I'm smiling)
Margaret~
You mentioned..."...Love the way you are making use of your beautiful building. .." THANKS...It was quite a step/investment when I bought it last year, and it has worked out to be everything I had envisioned and more. I will put some more photos up later tonight and you will be able to see the amazing interior...Low VOC paint and all!
Ginger~
We have been lucky to be able to support each other as we look for opportunities to help our clients and potential clients to understand our work and the direction it takes. THANKS for being here!
Jeff and Marti~
As I read your comments I had to smile...It is exciting to see how the energy we (all of us) put in here at Active Rain engages the larger audience. For sure Bill and I will let you know when the show airs. BILL is the star...wait until you see him shine.
Dena~
Remember when you and I started our long trek here at Active Rain. We were the only 2 souls out in the -ECORain...and we sure had a good time and some great conversations. THANKS for inspiring the posts...including those that led HGTV to find us.
Cynthia~
You are SO right...Asheville, N.C. is beautiful...and we have a strong real estate market and a HUGE demand for LEED certified/MC Healthy Built homes...We love being involved in the community effort to set aside time to consider how we will grow and by bringing quality homes and thoughtful land design to the table.
Michele~
Thank you so much for encouraging the effort. ...and for acknowledging it! We have all put in huge amounts of time and energy here at Active Rain. Just being able to connect with other real estate professionals in meaningful conversation would be enough...but when HGTV comes calling...I do have to say..it is a Big Thrill.
Jeremy, My Love~
Coming from the great captain who single-handedly sailed his boat across the Pacific , weathered the most terrible of storms, and brought his ship in...your kind words are a huge compliment.
janeAnne-
Wow! Your recognition got my attention! I had to make time to participate in celebrating with you. And to think HGTV discovered yu on AR! I am GREEN with envy.
I actually sent in a script to HGTV to be considered for their Albuquerque slot (not for green considerations) and was not selected so I am doubly pleased to know that you were chosen for your Lucerne Park building. Great pictures! Congratulations!
JaneAnne,
I read your update!
I refer you to this report by The Right Place which shows many of the statistics for West Michigan. In the statistics you will find they report West Michigan ranking #7 in the US for registered Green Building Projects.
You can also check in with the Michigan Business Report and find there 192 LEED projects in Michigan, of which 36 are LEED Certified!
We also have Adam Bearup from Hybrid Homes and Team Hybrid! which includes many professionals that I have not even met yet! Adam and Eric are still introducing me to this fabulous team. Adam is building the first PROJECTED Platinum LEED home in Onekama Michigan -- on the beautiful shores of Portage Lake and Lake Michigan.
Yes! West Michigan is a great place to live and getting better every day due to the forward thinking individuals we have here!
Consider West Michigan, JaneAnne and HGTV! on your tour! We have many individuals who would love to take part in educating the masses!
Jeff~
I agree with you. There is nothing like positive publicity. When we have an opportunity to let our clients and prospective clients better appreciate the work we do and what trends are in the real estate market, we all benefit.
Bryant~
For sure I will do an update on this post and/or will let Y'All know when it airs. It will probably be about 6 months as the Producer is in the process of filming across the country... I am not in the episode. Bill and his clietns are the STARS =)
Sally~ Thanks for the cheers. Always love to get that special energy from your words.
Kim~ As you say..."...proof-positive of bigger /better things to come with activerain. ..."
Carole~
We are so lucky to have a huge interest in restoring homes in our area. Our offices in this 1923 (almost) restored brick bungalow have a welcoming energy that out clients pick up as soon as they walk in the door.There are tow or three real estate offices in the Greater Asheville area that serve as community meeting places ours being one. As you commented..."...[the] house has such a warm, well built, historical look to it. With all the energy changes to boot, well, I could live there!.. "
Margaret~ and Margaret~
I had to smile when I saw your comments one right after the other. For sure, I will let you know when the Green House episode airs on HGTV...and thanks so much for the kind words.
Bob and Carolin~ Thanks for your comment and good wishes.
Jeannie~ YAY!-Yeah! as they say in Asheville. It is a pleasure for us see positive stories that highlight healthy living spaces and the role REALTORS play in introducing clients to them.
Neal~
Don't ya' just love it when Active Rain and the energy you put into the network (and you sure have contributed hugely!) brings interest and an opportunity to share good stories? Congratulations on your upcoming event!
Wayne & Lynda~ Thanks for the goood words from our fellow NC REALTORS.
Daniel~ Hope you (and all of you) will join the ECO-All-Starsfor really good information on Green Homes, Builiding and Resources. We are beginning to create a National Green Resources Directory...that could be very helpful for many of our readers.
janeAnne, I subscribe to your blog and "associate" with you, but when your post shows up it already has 57 comments. What's going on? Oh Well. Congratulations. I guess everybody couldn't wait to tell you the same thing. We are all impressed, but we all know that you deserve this recognition and more.
Bill Roberts
JaneAnne,
Congratulations on being featured by HGTV. I love older homes like the one you bought - I dream of restoring an old farmhouse someday. Asheville is a pretty place to visit but we haven't been since we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway a few years back.
Eloise~
When the producer asked me for recommendations for GREEN cities...I thought of you (among several others)...The reason I thought of you--your posts on your home town. As I read your posts, I learned of a commitment on the part of your bio-region toward sustainable design and development.
Jack~
You mentioned our advocacy of eco-freindly design, development, re-development and retrofit...As you can see by our offices, we just find the prospect ...charming! After the "green" focus week at HGTV, our audience from Active Rain should increase. Thanks for your kind comments!
This is absolutely wonderful! the exposure is great for you and your organization and great that other realtors could be doing this too. Congratulations - I can't wait to see the episode.
janeAnne, I am so happy for you and your team. You have worked so hard and truly deserve this!
I can't wait to see it. Leslie
This is Absolutely Fantastic janeAnne! It was also a special delight to see the spotlight on Bill! I am looking forward to watching the Special. The impact of Active Rain is astounding.
Bill~
If you have some eco-friendly happenings in your area, let me know! The crew is very excited about this trend . The producer is looking for good stories. THX for your kind words, BTW...coming from YOU the Coach..I am so pleased.
Rita~
I love older homes, too. When I decided to go for it with our 1923 90% retrofitted bungalow I was thrilled. It has turned out to be the perfect place for our offices. Our clients feel the stability of this brick structure and that translates to a sense of security they have when they work with us.
Paula~
I am very pleased to connect with you as a result of this post. I have visited your BLOG and am so impressed with your efforts. Thanks for your kind words and support. Much appreciated!
Sue~
Thanks for keeping the "green energy" you mentioned going! Hope you will refer a few resources to the GREEN RESOURCES Directory...
Jim and Maria~
I'm smiling as I read your comment..."wanting to spread the GREEN love around! And it's just as wonderful that they found your via AR!..." =)
Mary~
Thanks for letting us know what is happening in MICHIGAN...I will pass the word on to the HGTV producer. He may jut want to get a team up there!
Gwen~
You brought out an interesting and relevant point...that the HGTV exposure not only is good for us, but for AR members and for REALTORS in general. I love to see positive reporting on our industry and-here is a great opportunity , as you say.
janeAnne, Wow, Congratulations! What an honor!
Hi JaneAnne, I love the updated photos. Keep 'em coming! You are very right about having Positive reporting in the industry. I have learned so much in the past week on what's going on in Houston. I will try to post about it soon. Several times. :)
Please give us lots of details...and especially the date that we can watch it!
Leslie~
I love the idea that we can cooperate to find and to define healthy living spaces. I know this is part of YOUR work...and it sure has paid of for our team. Thanks
Caleb~
Rain-Power! Thanks for it and for what it is doing for thousands of REALTORS across the land.
Lola~
As you say, the impact of AR is astounding. It makes me realize how powerful we are when we work together to create-positive opportunities for one another and for our clients.
janeAnne- can we get a better shot of the greeter ? He sure is cute!
Bet he makes any guest feel right at "home"! BTW- did I say how happy I am for you ?!
Jeff G.~
I just posted a few more photos I took at the HGTV shoot. I got a great shot of Bill...grinning like a Cheshire cat ... (=^:^=)
I think you hit on a very good point when you mentioned the motivation of the writers/producers. From my conversation with the producer, I sensed a genuine interest in the trend toward quality "high performance" construction and sustainable design. He asked me for More information and I gave him a packet of "good-things" to read on his flight back to LA.
David~
Thanks for the good words. We all work together to produce public awareness of
good-things"...I am-happy to be apart of the AR network that lets us do this.
Stephanie~
I posted a few more photos and had to laugh when I posted the last one. Bill hasn't seen it yet. I'm pretty sure this episode wont air for about 6 months. The crew is looking for other stories about green development and construction and retrofitting...
Everyone~ Happy to let the producer know if you have sold/listed such a property.
Stacey~ THX!
Dena~ Let's plan on talking soon. Possibly we can work on some ideas together. You have been a central part in bringing attention to eco-friendly homes.
Sheron~
You mentioned..."..HGTV is getting greener with their new Design Star competition..."Tell us about that!! Does this include consultations with stagers and real estate professionals?
Joan~
I totally agree with you (as y'all probably know) when you commented..."I am glad to see that HGTV is focusing on GREEN!..." I agree to the point that I have "bolded" your words .THX for the support and energy for quality service, homes and land.
JudyAnn~
As I read your comment, I could just see y'all flying down the street with all your "stuff" trying to catch a bus. ...(the kind of commentary that makes me happy I subscribe to your BLOG)... I am especially happy that you picked up on one of the main points of this post...and one of the main reasons we invested in this office space...avoiding urban sprawl. and advocating compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including mixed-use development
With all the real estate tv programs out there (on channels like HGTV, TLC, and others) it is nice to see something featuring "green" meaning something other than money. I look forward to seeing this program. I am sure you will remind us all when it is scheduled to air, right?
JaneAnne, I just found out about the City of Houston doing somewhere around 5 ICF Homes for low income housing. I thought that was awesome!! One of the posts I wanted to do. Thanks for the insider's tip. I will keep my ears out for a good story. There is a lot going on that I had know idea of here.
Rich~
Your comment sure struck a chord with me...you said.." . .
.featuring "green" meaning something other than money..." YAY-yeah!
Jeff G.~
WOW..loved your comment..." . . .all part of the "pull" movement to get consumers to ask their local building professionals to support high-performance building concepts."
It is nice to know that real estate professionals can be part of a "pull movement" that makes sense!
Margaret~
When I read your note last night...it kept me going. We have now hit 100 comments YIPPPEEEE! so a big thumbs up to You and all of us who are, as Jeff says, ..." all part of the "pull" movement to get consumers to ask their local building professionals to support high-performance building concepts."
Loretta~
I agree, The more public awareness, the more the public can make wise choices.
Steph~
I'll be waiting to hear more about your story...ICF Homes for low income housing. Do you think this is the kind of story that PBS might want to cover?
janeAnne - this is terrific to hear about. I hope HGTV does more of this sort of thing, since it is an issue that is not in the public awareness to the extent it could be. I wonder if they will also be addressing other issues like affordable housing.
Congratulations to you - looking forward to the show. It is one of the few TV shows I actually watch.
Jeff
JaneAnne, I think that kind of story would be great for publicity. I just can't seem to find any info on it. I know it is there...just know idea about the details. I'm working on it. Along with several other projects that seem secretive right now...One that would be amazing news including the words "zero energy".. :)
The only hint I'll give.
That is pretty amazing stuff. I am very jealous of your bungalow. What an awesome place for clients and to develop a "culture".
Hi JaneAnne - I am so pleased and proud for you! You were one of the first welcoming me to AR and I love seeing people get what they give - you are such a giving person, and it all comes home where it is supposed to! Good luck! Liz
Jeff D.~
You brought up an interesting point when you asked, "...wonder if they [HGTV] will also be addressing other issues like affordable housing?..."
That got me thinking about one of Michel's posts on container homes...I will try to find that post and as soon as I do, I will put a link in here. (see below)I bet the HGTV audience would find that subject very interesting...way to go, Jeff!
FOUND IT: http://activerain.com/blogsview/119044/Eco-Perspective-to-being Pretty cool, eh?
Stephanie~
ZERO ENERGY...now that would be an amazing story. Are yo doing some research on that? Tell us! Tell us!
Jeff G~
You have a great conversation going with over 200 comments on Green Building...for those who want to get more information, and COMMENT...there is a wealth of information there. Here's the link.
Jeff~ I am intrigued with your push-pull theory...I especially like those terms...push...and pull. You commented that you would like to see the, "...building community to offer advances to their customers on their own..." ..Possibly this HGTV coverage will bring some energy to that end.
Dan~
As I read your comment I had to smile. We are on the same "wavelength" about our office building being a get place for clients to , as you say, "...develop a "culture". " That is one of the main reasons I invested in this incredible, restored masterpiece.
Liz~
Thanks for your kind comment. Just so you know, I am subscribed to your BLOG and look forward to your posts. I agree with you that what we share with others is returned to us...=)
I saw a new term I am not familiar with, but I am still learning....what is LEED certified? Also, I see that some of you have been "ECO certified" - how do you do this?
I've been thinking of putting together a green housing website for my sphere, local homeowners and potentially larger than that. Can you recommend any websites that have basic information on the terms, concepts, resources, etc. for sustainable green housing?
I certainly appreciate the help of this community. Being a part of this group has made all the difference for my Active Rain experience!
adam
Steph~
OK. . I know you have been in think-tank mode for a week now...hope to read some scintillating news on your BLOG soon.
HEY! Are there any GREEN/LEED certified commercial buildings being constructed in your neck o' the woods?
Everyone~
Here's a link to information from AR and ECO-All-Star members on LEED certifed properties
JaneAnne, Yes...there are some. I am going to meet with a builder in the next couple of weeks that is going to start one the beginning of next year in a Primo Location (for excellent advertising) that is going to be pushed for LEED. Interesting though. It will be commercial and residential...with greywater and all sorts of really neat stuff.
Everyone~
Here is a link to the ECO-certified designation information.
and to Dena's really good post on ECOBroker information.
As I understand it, neither of these programs have been recognized for/as a designation by NAR. . yet...
However, the ECO certified program, a 36-hour hands-on classroom program has received designation status from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission....and personally, I am hoping for ECOBroker and ECOCertified Real Estate professionals can engage the National Assoc. of REALTORS (NAR) in a serious discussion and create a national designation by 2008. ..
any idea on this will be MUCH appreciated.
Adam~
Welcome to Active Rain! I have visited your BLOG and have subscribed to it. Thanks for your good questions. Look at the tow comments just above this for information on 1)LEED certification and 2)The ECO certified Real Estate Consultants 36-hour coursework and the EcoBroker information. Follow those links for good INFO!
NOW...as to websites that can give you eco-wise information. ..the BEST assemblage of knowledge I know of...comes from our colleagues right here at Active Rain.
Simply go on over to the ECO-All-Stars Group..."we write good stuff" (that's our motto) and start reading. You will not believe the wealth of knowledge and information there.
Rhonda~
I think you hit the nail on the head when you commented, "...There is so much we all can dothat will make a big difference. .. " What surprises me is that some of us are unaware of just how empowering we can be...as REALTORS and real estate professionals!
Stephanie~
commercial and residential LEED certified in one complex? THAT is very interesting news!
HouseHunters is a great show and I can't wait to see Bill and Asheville featured. And I know personally that your office is having an awesome "greening" impact on Western NC. Keep up the hard work.
---Corey
C orey`
We are excited to think that HGTV will be back in our area to continue filming. We are hoping that YOu will have some Healthy-Built homes to show us and that we can direct HGTV attention your way, too.
UPDATE:
We are now looking at following the process of the GREEN rehab with cameras and action! Check back here for details as they arrive.
UPDATE:
We are now looking at following the process of the GREEN rehab with cameras and action! Check back here for details as they arrive.
Bill~
it will be so interesting to hear from your clients the latest updates. Thanks for keeping-us in the l o o p.
JaneAnne - great news is right! GreenBuild Michigan recently released their remodeling pilot program. It is an excellent idea for older homes on the market. I'm glad to hear HGTV is going to do a story on it! That will help get the word out!
Joan~
You mentioned, " think there are people that are afraid of the entire process and are concerned about costs. " I agree with you...this has been a perception in the general public, and one that causes some people not to take advanatge of HealthyBuilt features! Like you, I am so happy that HGTV is focusing on the tredn toward green-built and green retrofitted homes.
Stephanie~
...AND...remember.....PRODUCER LOOKS FOR MORE STORIES....There may be a House Hunters "Green Week" Special (not sure)...but if so... let us know if you have sold a LEED certified home, and we will be happy to pass the word along to the Producer.
You asked about our office building. The building itself is a ‘work in progress", but is about 90% restored. We have
1) replaced all light bulbs throughout the entire building with compact fluorescents
2) are proud of our non-toxic flooring throughout...gorgeous old hardwoods and, in the kitchen, marmoleum
3 have used Low VOC paints
4) are beginning to replace all the windows with energy efficient windows.
Are you doing this kind of stuff at your offices?
Can't wait to see it air -- that'll be a fun day!